First Advisor

Meredith James

Date of Award

5-24-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design and University Honors

Department

Art

Subjects

Persuasion (Rhetoric), Persuasion (Psychology), Social media -- Psychological aspects, Communication, Aggressiveness

DOI

10.15760/honors.709

Abstract

This paper explores whether or not it is possible to change someone's mind on the internet. Using an examination of traditional argument resolution techniques as a foundation, this paper builds upon that foundation and questions whether or not such techniques are appropriate on the internet. A mixture of primary and secondary research led to a surprising conclusion. It is in fact possible to change someone's mind on the internet, but to do so often involves techniques that are diametrically opposed to the traditional argument resolution techniques that were examined in the first part of the paper. This paper proposes that the techniques used to change someone's mind on the internet are often brash and aggressive. Our social media platforms connect us not only to the world, but our family and friends -- and while using brash language may change someone's mind, it may also bring on a negative experience.

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In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/28798

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